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What Is a Check?

By Sam Swenson, CFA, CPA – Updated Aug 7, 2025 at 6:06 PM

Key Points

  • Checks are legal orders to pay, needing specific details like payee, amount, and signature to be valid.
  • Despite digital options, checks remain popular for those preferring physical transaction records and payment control.
  • Risks with checks include potential loss and exposure of personal data, yet some still find them necessary for payments.
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